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Plant Pathology

Department of Plant Pathology

CFAES

Four putative constitutive resistance genes against the emerald ash borer found in Manchurian ash

Jan. 4, 2015

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that has killed millions of ash trees since its accidental introduction to North America.  All North American ash species (Fraxinus spp.) that emerald ash borer has encountered so far are susceptible, while an Asian species, Manchurian ash (F. mandshurica), which shares an evolutionary history with emerald ash borer, is resistant.  Phylogenetic evidence places North American black ash (F. nigra) and Manchurian ash in the same clade and section, yet black ash is highly susceptible to the emerald ash borer.  This contrast provides an opportunity to compare the genetic traits of the two species and identify those with a potential role in defense/resistance.